World | WPN World People News

On April 28, the European Court of Justice, the highest court in the European Union, ruled that the Republic of Malta's sale of so-called "golden passports" violates EU law and ordered the immediate termination of the program. The court stated that selling these passports amounts to turning nationality and EU citizenship into a commercial transaction, undermining trust and cooperation among member states.

The court ruled that Malta’s long-running "golden passport" scheme contravenes EU regulations. The program allowed non-EU nationals to obtain Maltese citizenship through investment, thereby granting them free movement and residency rights across EU member states.

The court acknowledged that the granting of nationality falls within the sovereign rights of member states. However, it emphasized that if such actions affect the collective interests and identity of the EU, they must adhere to fundamental EU legal principles. The ruling stressed that Malta’s approach treats EU citizenship as a commodity, violating the “genuine link principle” and core EU values.

The case was brought by the European Commission, which accused the Maltese government of granting citizenship solely based on investment, without requiring genuine residence, language skills, or cultural integration. The Commission argued this practice poses risks to the EU system, including money laundering, tax evasion, and security vulnerabilities.

The Maltese government expressed "regret" over the ruling but pledged to comply with the decision and review its policies accordingly. Over the past decade, Malta’s golden passport program has attracted hundreds of wealthy applicants from Russia, China, the Middle East, and elsewhere, generating hundreds of millions of euros in revenue.

The European Commission welcomed the ruling, calling it a significant legal precedent for other member states still operating similar schemes. It stated that it will step up scrutiny of nationality and residency programs across the EU to ensure legal consistency and safeguard the Union’s security.

On April 28, the Vatican announced that the papal conclave to elect a new pope will begin on May 7. The conclave will take place in the Sistine Chapel and may last several days. Prior to this, more than 180 cardinals had been engaged in informal meetings in Rome, where they reached a consensus to convene the conclave. According to the Vatican’s official website, as of April 6, there are 252 cardinals worldwide. Of the 135 cardinals under the age of 80 eligible to vote, 108 were appointed by Pope Francis.

On the opening day, the cardinals will attend a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, to pray for the election. That afternoon, eligible cardinals will enter the Sistine Chapel to begin the conclave. To elect a new pope, a two-thirds majority vote is required—a process that could take several days.

To prepare for the conclave, the Sistine Chapel was closed on April 29. Voting will begin with one round on the first afternoon, followed by two rounds each morning and afternoon on subsequent days. Black smoke from the chapel’s chimney will signal an inconclusive vote, while white smoke will indicate that a new pope has been elected. Once elected, a solemn papal inauguration ceremony will follow, during which the new pontiff will formally take possession of the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran and confront various challenges, including the Vatican’s financial crisis.

A massive explosion and fire broke out at Shahid Rajaee Port in southern Iran on the 26th, leaving at least 40 people dead and over 1,000 injured. Officials from Hormozgan Province stated that the fire is still ongoing, with thick smoke engulfing the affected area, which lies approximately 23 kilometers from the provincial capital, Bandar Abbas. In response to the emergency, all local schools and offices have been closed to concentrate resources on rescue efforts.

The cause of the explosion remains unclear. According to The New York Times, the incident may have been triggered by an explosion of sodium perchlorate, a key ingredient in solid rocket fuel; however, Iran’s Ministry of Defense has denied any involvement of military fuel or materials. Port customs officials indicated that the fire may have originated from a warehouse storing hazardous chemicals. Located more than 1,000 kilometers south of Tehran, Shahid Rajaee Port is Iran’s most advanced container port and lies near the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route through which one-fifth of the world's oil supply is transported.

On the 27th, Iranian President Pezeshkian arrived in Bandar Abbas to visit rescue workers and the injured, pledging full support for the victims and their families. He has ordered an investigation into the cause of the explosion. Russia has dispatched firefighting experts and specialized aircraft to assist in controlling the blaze and minimizing damages.

Pope Francis' funeral was held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, drawing leaders and faithful from around the world. It became one of the largest papal funerals in the past two decades.

Delegations from over 150 countries attended the ceremony, including 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs. Among those present to pay their respects were U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Argentine President Javier Milei, and Prince William of the United Kingdom. Due to the Vatican’s seating arrangement based on the French alphabetical order, President Trump was seated in the third row, apart from President Zelensky.

Pope Francis passed away on April 21 due to a stroke and heart failure at the age of 88. In the three days prior to the funeral, approximately 250,000 faithful visited St. Peter’s Basilica to view his body. The funeral Mass, lasting about 90 minutes, was presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. The ceremony was simple and solemn, in keeping with Pope Francis’ lifelong commitment to humility and service.

Unlike previous popes, Pope Francis chose to be buried in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, a place he frequently visited for prayer. He was laid to rest in a simple wooden coffin, engraved only with the Latin name "Franciscus," reflecting his dedication to a modest lifestyle.

To accommodate the massive crowds and high-profile guests, around 8,000 security personnel were deployed by the Vatican and Rome authorities. Anti-drone systems, snipers, fighter jets, and naval forces were also on standby to ensure safety. The funeral took place during the Catholic Jubilee Year, which brought various infrastructure upgrades in Rome that helped manage the flow of people and traffic.

Pope Francis was the first non-European pontiff in nearly 800 years. During his papacy, he pushed for Church reform and emphasized care for the poor, migrants, and the environment, promoting humility and inclusivity. Despite resistance from conservative factions, he remained committed to modernizing the Church. With his passing, the Vatican will convene a conclave after May 6 to elect the next pope, a decision watched closely by Catholics and global observers alike.

On the 24th, Pakistan announced the closure of its border with India, the shutdown of its airspace to Indian aircraft, and the suspension of its water-sharing treaty with India in retaliation for a recent armed attack in Kashmir. In response, India's Ministry of External Affairs declared the closure of the main border checkpoint between the two nations, the expulsion of Pakistani diplomats, the suspension of visa services, and the revocation of all visas previously issued to Pakistani citizens. India also immediately suspended the bilateral water-sharing agreement.

Regarding the Kashmir attack, India claimed Pakistan was involved, while Pakistan denied any connection and accused India of failing to provide evidence. On the evening of the 24th, gunfire was exchanged between Indian and Pakistani military forces near the Line of Control in Kashmir. The situation escalated rapidly, with Pakistan using light weapons and India retaliating. However, no civilian areas were targeted, and no casualties were reported.

Pakistan issued a stern warning, stating that any attempt to divert water resources would be considered an act of war. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif declared that Pakistan would respond equally to any Indian aggression and warned that the Kashmir attack could potentially lead to war between the two countries. He expressed hope for a peaceful resolution through dialogue. Meanwhile, the United Nations urged both India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint to prevent further deterioration of the situation.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive and haphazard tariff policies have caused turbulence in the global economy. Now, attorneys general from 12 U.S. states have jointly filed a lawsuit against him, accusing Trump of abusing the *International Emergency Economic Powers Act* (IEEPA). They argue that his unilateral imposition of tariffs is unlawful and are asking the court to block federal agencies from enforcing the tariff policy. According to the U.S. Constitution, only Congress has the authority to set tariff policies.

The lawsuit is being led by the state of Oregon, whose international trade and sportswear industries have been significantly impacted by the tariffs. Other participating states include Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, and Vermont.

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield stated, “When a president pushes illegal policies that drive up the cost of living — including utilities and groceries — we cannot stand by. These tariffs affect our daily lives, from the grocery store to the hospital. We must fight back.”

New York Attorney General Letitia James said Trump had promised to lower prices and reduce the cost of living, but these unlawful tariffs would instead lead to more inflation, job losses, and economic damage.

White House spokesperson Kush Desai dismissed the lawsuit as a "political witch hunt," asserting that the administration would continue using its legal powers to address national emergencies such as illegal immigration, fentanyl trafficking, and the trade deficit.

California had already filed a similar lawsuit last week, claiming that Trump’s tariff policies and trade war have harmed the state’s economy. Advocacy groups such as the Center for Free Justice and the New Civil Liberties Alliance have also joined the legal action.

A terrorist attack recently occurred in Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in Indian-administered Kashmir, resulting in at least 26 deaths and dozens of injuries. An armed group has claimed responsibility, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued a statement condemning the attack.

At 3 p.m. on the 22nd, gunmen launched a terrorist attack in the scenic resort town of Pahalgam, a well-known summer retreat in India. The attackers reportedly used nearby forest cover to infiltrate from the surrounding mountains before opening fire on tourists. At least 26 people were killed, most of whom were Indian tourists. Due to the area's limited accessibility—only reachable on foot or horseback—the Indian government deployed helicopters to evacuate the injured. Local police have sealed off the area and launched a full-scale manhunt.

Preliminary investigations suggest that around five to seven suspects were involved. On the 23rd, Indian security forces released photos and sketches of three male suspects, stating that they are Pakistani nationals. The Resistance Front, a faction under Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)—one of South Asia’s largest and most active Islamist terrorist organizations—has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a state visit to Saudi Arabia at the time, returned to India urgently. He strongly condemned the attack as a heinous act and reaffirmed India’s strengthened resolve to combat terrorism. He convened the Cabinet Committee on Security to discuss countermeasures. Following the meeting, Deputy Foreign Minister Vikram Misri announced several responses: in addition to heightened domestic security measures, the Attari Integrated Check Post at the border has been temporarily closed. Pakistani nationals currently in India on SVES visas must leave within 48 hours, and further entry is now banned. Additionally, the *Indus Waters Treaty*, which governs shared water resources between India and Pakistan, has been suspended with immediate effect.

Although armed conflicts have been frequent in the Kashmir region, they had been on the decline in recent years. However, the scale of this civilian-targeted attack marks a significant and troubling escalation.

Pope Francis gives a thumbs up after receiving the scroll of “Love of the World, A Declaration of Peace” from Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has, for the first time, publicly expressed Russia’s willingness to engage in peace talks regarding the war in Ukraine, potentially opening a path to resolve the conflict that has lasted for over three years. This statement is seen by many as a shift in Russia’s stance and has drawn significant international attention.

Following the failure of a 30-hour "test of loyalty" ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine during Easter, with both sides accusing each other of violating the agreement, the United States has grown increasingly impatient with mediating the conflict. U.S. officials have warned that unless progress is made, they may disengage from further involvement.

Against this backdrop, on April 21, Putin proposed the first bilateral talks with Ukraine in years. It’s important to note that since the war broke out in February 2022, there have been no direct negotiations between the two sides.

According to reports, Putin’s proposal includes freezing the current frontlines and dropping claims to control parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, on the condition that the U.S. recognizes Crimea as Russian territory and guarantees that Ukraine will not join NATO. This proposal is believed to have been floated during a meeting between Putin and Donald Trump’s envoy, Vitkov, in early April. Many observers interpret this as a deliberate “controlled leak” to pave the way for future peace negotiations.

However, Ukraine remains firm in its position. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a recent press conference, strongly rejected any possibility of ceding territory, stating, “There is nothing to negotiate. This is beyond our constitution. This is our land, the land of the Ukrainian people. It’s not going to happen.” He emphasized that Ukraine has not received any formal proposal and will not recognize Russia’s annexation of Crimea.

Speaking at a press conference in Moscow, Putin stated: “Russia has never closed the door to negotiations. We are willing to engage in substantive dialogue with Ukraine and other relevant parties, based on mutual respect for each other's interests and security.” He stressed that the precondition for negotiations is that Western countries must stop providing military aid and acknowledge Russia’s legitimate security concerns.

Ukraine has yet to issue a public response. However, President Zelenskyy has repeatedly stated that the basis for any talks must include the full withdrawal of Russian troops from occupied territories and the restoration of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

International reactions to Putin’s remarks have been mixed. The U.S. State Department said it would continue to observe whether Russia takes any concrete actions to support this statement. EU diplomats commented that the possibility of peace talks is worth exploring but must be grounded in international law and respect Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the two sides have held multiple rounds of contact without reaching any substantial agreement. Putin’s latest comments are seen as a signal that Russia, under growing domestic and international pressure, is seeking a way out of the war.

Although fighting continues, whether this statement could become a breakthrough remains to be seen.

The Russia-Ukraine war has lasted for over three years. On the 17th, Ukraine announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding on mineral cooperation with the United States. However, on the 18th, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio dropped a bombshell, stating that if a ceasefire cannot be achieved within the next few days—indicating that the positions of both sides remain irreconcilable—the United States will prepare to abandon its efforts to mediate a ceasefire.

On the 17th, Rubio, along with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, held talks in Paris with several European officials regarding a ceasefire and peace plan for the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Rubio said that a framework for peace talks had already been provided to both countries for consideration. He urged Russia and Ukraine to clarify as soon as possible whether a ceasefire is feasible. If there is a possibility of ending the war, the United States will do its utmost to assist. However, if the positions of both sides are too divergent to achieve a ceasefire, U.S. assistance cannot continue indefinitely without progress or deadlines.

Several European diplomats noted that Ukraine has already agreed to the U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire plan, but Russia has responded with indifference, claiming it holds the upper hand on the battlefield and has therefore made numerous demands. If the U.S. does withdraw from mediation, it would be seen as a major victory for Russia. Rubio’s latest statement appears to be a form of pressure on both parties, aimed at compelling Ukraine and Russia to make concrete commitments and decisions promptly.